Fylde MP Mark Menzies says he had a positive meeting with Rail Minister Wendy Morton in which he made the case to press on with plans to double the number of trains on the South Fylde line.
A business plan has been submitted to the Government supportive of proposals for a passing loop which would allow a half hourly service on the route. Mr Menzies made clear the investment was vital to support the Government’s goals on greener transport and levelling up.
He said: “It is important that at every opportunity we are making the case for this scheme.
“These plans are the best chance we have of delivering a frequent, reliable rail service for Fylde.
“Right now the hourly service, poor connections and frequent cancellations are holding back passenger growth.
“The Government wants to get people out of their cars and onto public transport, I want to deliver jobs and investment in Fylde.
“This is a crucial step towards both of those goals.”
Mr Menzies, along with Blackpool South MP Scott Benton secured funding to begin feasibility studies on the line as part of the Beeching Reversal: Ideas Fund. The Government is now considering which schemes proposed under the programme to take forward.
Mr Menzies said: “The meeting was positive and I put forward a strong case on behalf of Fylde.
“The Minister listened to what I had to say and certainly understands the issues we face and how this is a viable, affordable solution.”
A decision on how the scheme will proceed is expected soon.
Mr Menzies said: “We need to be getting on with this project, to improve rail links in Fylde, to support jobs and investment and to improve transport links for local people.”